The Canterville Ghost (1962)
A 1962 Yugoslav TV adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic tale of a cursed ghost, an unflappable American family, and one brave young girl.
The Canterville Ghost - Movie Information
The Canterville Ghost - Plot
The poor ghost of Sir Simon Canterville has been roaming his castle searching in vain for a brave descendant who will release him from the Canterville curse by performing a brave deed. An American family moves in and finds the ghost amusing, but a young girl in the family can release him - if she dares.
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The Canterville Ghost - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sava Mrmak
Main Cast
- Darinka 'Dara' Čalenić
- Olga Ivanović
- Mirko Milisavljević
- Žarko Mitrović
- Milivoje 'Mića' Tomić
- Anka Vrbanić
- Nadežda Vukićević
- Branka Zorić
Writers
- Vladimir Carin
- Oscar Wilde
The Canterville Ghost - FAQs
What is The Canterville Ghost (1962) about?
The Canterville Ghost follows Sir Simon Canterville, a hapless ghost doomed to haunt his castle until a brave soul breaks his ancient curse. When a cheerful American family moves in and refuses to be frightened, it falls to young Virginia Otis to summon the courage that could finally set the old spirit free.
Is The Canterville Ghost based on a true story?
Not quite — it's based on Oscar Wilde's beloved 1887 short story of the same name. Wilde's tale is pure fiction, blending gentle satire with supernatural comedy. This 1962 Yugoslav TV production adapts the story through a screenplay by Vladimir Carin, staying true to Wilde's witty, warmhearted spirit.
Does Virginia Otis actually free the ghost?
That's the heart of the story. Virginia is the only member of the Otis family who feels genuine compassion for Sir Simon rather than amusement or annoyance. Whether she finds the courage to perform the brave deed required by the Canterville curse is the emotional climax the entire film builds toward.
Why can't the American family be frightened by the ghost?
The Otis family's pragmatic, no-nonsense American attitude is central to the comedy. Rather than screaming and fleeing, they treat Sir Simon's ghostly antics as minor inconveniences — offering him lubricating oil for his clanking chains and dismissing his apparitions entirely. Their cheerful indifference leaves the poor ghost utterly defeated and bewildered.
Where can I watch The Canterville Ghost (1962)?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Canterville Ghost on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a rare 1962 Yugoslav TV production, availability may be limited, but JustWatch is the best place to find any current options.
Who are the main actors in The Canterville Ghost?
The cast features Žarko Mitrović as the tormented Sir Simon de Canterville, Branka Zorić as young Virginia Otis, and Milivoje 'Mića' Tomić as Mr. Otis. Darinka 'Dara' Čalenić plays Eleonora de Canterville, with Olga Ivanović, Mirko Milisavljević, Anka Vrbanić, and Nadežda Vukićević rounding out the ensemble.
Who directed this 1962 version of The Canterville Ghost?
The film was directed by Sava Mrmak for Radiotelevizija Beograd, the Yugoslav state broadcaster. The screenplay was written by Vladimir Carin, adapting Oscar Wilde's original story. It stands as a notable example of Yugoslav television's early engagement with classic Western literary works.
Are there other film versions of The Canterville Ghost?
Yes — Oscar Wilde's story has been adapted many times. The most well-known versions include the 1944 Hollywood film starring Charles Laughton and Robert Young, and the popular 1996 TV movie with Patrick Stewart as Sir Simon. Each adaptation brings its own tone, but all share Wilde's blend of comedy, heart, and the supernatural.
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